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By Juli Monroe

Always remember that e-readers are like small computers. Sometimes they just hiccup and stop working correctly. Freezing, acting sluggish or pages turning slower than normal are common complaints.

Relax. It’s perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. No need to call customer service just yet; a quick reset will fix most problems.

Here’s instructions on how to reset the three most popular e-reading devices.

Amazon Kindle start-up page1. Kindle (E Ink)

The easiest way to reset a Kindle is to press or slide (depending on your model) the power switch, and to hold it in the ‘off’ position for 20 seconds. Your Kindle will restart itself, and most problems should be resolved. If you’ve successfully restarted your device, you’ll see the Kindle start-up screen, shown at right

2. Nook (E Ink)

Similar to the Kindles, simply press and hold the power switch for 20 or 30 seconds; Nook refers to this as a “soft reset.” The device should restart itself. (Those of you with Nook tablets will need to press the power button again for two seconds to turn your tablet back on.)

3. Kobo

Kobo Mini troubleshooting customer careThis one requires a slightly different process. If possible, turn off your Kobo e-reader, and then turn it over to locate the small hole on the back. Unfold a paperclip and slide one end into the hole. Press gently until you feel a click. Your Kobo should restart. (If you own a Kobo Mini, you’ll need to remove the Snap Back cover on the back of the device in order to locate the small hole.)

There. The reset should fix most problems. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to consider a call to customer service or a factory reset. I recommend calling customer service, however. A factory reset can be a real pain, since you’ll have to reload all your content. Don’t take that step until customer service has exhausted other options.

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Here are the links and phone numbers to the three major manufacturers’ support pages and customer service centers:

• Amazon Kindle Support | U.S. tel. 866-321-8851 ~ Int’l tel. +1 206-266-0927

• Barnes & Noble Nook Support | U.S. tel. 800-843-2665 ~ Int’l tel. +1 201-559-3882

• Kobo Support | North America tel: 800-368-5390 ~ Int’l tel. click here

 
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